She’s an icon amongst icons. A gay man’s favourite: Man loving, alcohol swigging, chain smoking, power dressing magazine icon. Patsy Stone we love you.
On Smoking
“Smoking is good for you…”
On Her Drinking
“The last mosquito that bit me had to book into the Betty Ford Clinic.”
On Sex
“My ring needs resealing, I know the gutters sagging a bit but how about a quick plunge up the waste pipe?”
On Work Ethics
“It’s 7– 7:30? In the…? Why, that means nothing to me!”
On Driving
“Keep driving, Eddy. You haven’t hit anything yet.”
On Fashion
“Are you mad? I’ve got nothing to wear on public transport?”
On Saffy
“You may dress like a Christian, but the similarity ends there. I think you do it on purpose. How long does it take you to get the crease so crisp down the front of your jeans, you torturer?”
More on Safi
“Oh you little BITCH TROLL FROM HELL.”
On People
“She’s emaciated, like her brain!”
As A Fashion Editor
“The only label she wears is “Drip Dry”.
On Brand
“One wiff of a cocoa bean and our customers would fly like vampires before garlic. Jeremy’s must remain a sterile oasis, free from street eaters and coffee carriers. Aseptic and razor-sharp as our customer’s hipbones. These women shop for lunch! Labels are their only sustenance! Their skeleton legs in Manolos have worn trenches down the pavement of Sloan Street. Their arm sinews have just enough muscles left in their arm to lift up a credit card.”<
On Motherhood
“Nothing, and you shouldn’t have to. I mean, look at you. You’ve been a fantastic mother. You’ve let them ruin your figure. Your stomach’s stretched beyond recognition, you’ve got tits down to your knees, and what for, for God’s sake? For a potholer who’s worn nothing but a purple nylon tracksuit and a Gazza t-shirt for the past two years. Cut the cord, darling.”
Absolutely Fabulous is a landmark TV show – and instantly gained itself a cult following from the first airing back in 1992.
What is Jennifer Saunders up to now?
Its cult status has meant that 100s of world-famous actors, models, singers and VIPs have clamoured to take part in the show. But what have the main players got up to since the main show ended in 2012. Weird fact alert, have you ever noticed that the five main characters, Edina, Patsy, Saffy, Mother and Bubble are all played by actors whose named begin with J!
Jennifer has remained a powerful player in the world of comedy but her work as an actor is widely celebrated. She’s a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, screenwriter and actor. Jennifer has lent her voice to numerous and iconic characters in films. She’s appeared in The Simpsons, Shrek 2, Minions, Corline and more recently Sing. in 2016 she sadly announced that she was done with Ab Fab and wanted to focus on new projects and spend more time with her family.
Joanna Lumley
What is Joanna Lumley up to now?
Travel is hugely important to Joanna and she regularly hosts programmes based on her travels. She’s fronted shows like: Joanna Lumley’s Postcards, Joanna Lumley’s India and Joanna Lumley’s Japan. She also has turned her attention to presenting and in 2017 presented the 71st British Academy Film Awards. Aside from Ab Fab, Lumley is famous for her stint as Purdey in The New Avengers.
Jane Horrocks
Jane plays Bubble and Katy Grin in Ab Fab and remains famous for her roles in Ab Fab but also for the huge box office hit, Little Voice, which was released in 1998. Horrocks is a highly successful voice actor having appeared in 12 animated films including, Arthur Christmas, Christmas Carole: The Movie and Chicken Run. On TV Horrocks remains very visible having starred in 37 episodes of the comedy Trollied.
June Whitfield
June has been awarded an OBE, CBE and in 2017 was awarded the DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to drama and entertainment. The Ab Fab movie remains her last acting credit, although she has appeared in hundreds of TV, Film or Radio shows/episodes.
Julia Sawalha
What is Saffy from Ab Fab up to now?
Julia got her break in the Teen drama Press Gang on ITV, but Ab Fab remains her biggest hit. She appeared in 40 episodes of Lark Rise to Candleford until 2011. Since then she’s appeared in numerous TV dramas but as a day character only.
Christoper Malcolm
Scottish born Christopher played Saffy’s gay father in the original series of Absolutely Fabulous. Sadly Christopher passed away in 2014 at the age of 67. His daughter revealed that Christopher died from cancer. His last TV credit was a 2011 episode of Ab Fab. His other TV credits included Lovejoy and Only Fools And Horses.
Christopher Ryan
Christopher Ryan Edina’s second ex-husband, Marshall. Christopher was working in TV and Theatre regularly up until 2013 having made his name in the extremely successful 80’s hit comedy show The Young Ones. He returned to the big screen in 2016 with the Ab Fab movie.
Naoko Mori
Naoko played Sarah (probably mostly known as “TittyKaKa” Saffy’s friend turned freaky stalker. Naoko last appeared in Ab Fab in 2011 – and didn’t feature in the Absolutely Fabulous movie. However, her acting career has gone from strength to strength with many appearances as a day player on shows like Midsomer Murders, You, Me and The Apocalypse and Doctor Who. From 2006 until 2008 she starred in 26 episodes of Torchwood alongside John Barrowman.
Most famous for her receptionist character Carole in the Brittas Empire, although she has starred in films like The Calendar Girls and Life Is Sweet. Harriet continues to work in theatre and turns up on the odd celebrity edition of TV shows like The Weakest Link.
Twiggy
Twiggy’s television and film career has tailed off in the last few years. She worked extensively on America’s Next Top Model during cycles 5 to 9. She starred in Ab Fab during 2000 and 2001 as an unhappy client (and next door neighbour) of Edina.
Kate O’Mara
Patsy Stone’s sister, Jackie. Sadly Kate O’Mara passed away in 2014 at the age of 74 from Ovarian cancer. O’Mara was a famed film and TV actor. Her biggest projects were The Brothers, in which she starred in 30 episodes, Triangle in which starred in 27 episodes and Howards’ Way (26 episodes) but she’s probably most known for her camp role as Caress Morell, the sister of Alexis Colby in Dynasty in which she starred in seasons 6 and 7 in 1986.
Man loving, alcohol swigging, chain smoking, power dressing magazine icon. Patsy Stone we love you.
On Smoking
“Smoking is good for you…”
On Her Drinking
“The last mosquito that bit me had to book into the Betty Ford Clinic.”
On Sex
“My ring needs resealing, I know the gutters sagging a bit but how about a quick plunge up the waste pipe?”
On Work Ethics
“It’s 7– 7:30? In the…? Why, that means nothing to me!”
On Driving
“Keep driving, Eddy. You haven’t hit anything yet.”
On Fashion
“Are you mad? I’ve got nothing to wear on public transport?”
On Safi
“You may dress like a Christian, but the similarity ends there. I think you do it on purpose. How long does it take you to get the crease so crisp down the front of your jeans, you torturer?”
More on Safi
“Oh you little BITCH TROLL FROM HELL.”
On People
“She’s emaciated, like her brain!”
As A Fashion Editor
“The only label she wears is “Drip Dry”.
On Brand
“One wiff of a cocoa bean and our customers would fly like vampires before garlic. Jeremy’s must remain a sterile oasis, free from street eaters and coffee carriers. Aseptic and razor-sharp as our customer’s hipbones. These women shop for lunch! Labels are their only sustenance! Their skeleton legs in Manolos have worn trenches down the pavement of Sloan Street. Their arm sinews have just enough muscles left in their arm to lift up a credit card.”<
On Motherhood
“Nothing, and you shouldn’t have to. I mean, look at you. You’ve been a fantastic mother. You’ve let them ruin your figure. Your stomach’s stretched beyond recognition, you’ve got tits down to your knees, and what for, for God’s sake? For a potholer who’s worn nothing but a purple nylon tracksuit and a Gazza t-shirt for the past two years. Cut the cord, darling.”
Fawlty Towers is the greatest British sitcom of all time and Ab Fab gets a mention too – according to comedians.
Jennifer Saunders at the 2007 TCA Winter Press Tour. Ritz Carlton Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, CA. 01-11-07
Over 100 professional comedians and actors, including David Baddiel, Jenny Eclair, Reece Shearsmith and Alexei Sayle, were polled to find out their favourite sitcoms, moments and one-liners.
The John Cleese-starring classic comedy received the most votes in the best sitcom category – despite originally airing over 40 years ago and lasting for just 12 episodes.
While the favourite one-liner among comics is “Don’t tell him, Pike” from Dad’s Army as said by Captain Mainwaring to Pike when the young Private is asked his name by a German prisoner.
And the most popular scene is from I’m Alan Partridge and sees Alan meet his biggest fan – only to discover he has an unhealthy obsession with the radio DJ, including a room dedicated to him.
The research was commissioned by TV channel Gold to celebrate the launch of its first full series of We Have Been Watching
Comedy critic Bruce Dessau, who compiled the audit of comedians, said,
“We are well-known across the world for our ‘British sense of humour’, which is shown at its best in many of our best-loved and timeless comedy classics.
“The art of comedy is almost impossible to define, but many of these characters, lines and sitcoms are brilliant examples of the very best in the history of British TV comedy.”
Other favourite one-liners include Blackadder’s Lord Flashheart announcing: “I’ve got a plan, and it’s as hot as my pants” as he proposes running away with Kate.
And Tony Hancock, upon on learning how much blood he has to give during a blood donation, saying,
“A pint? Why that’s very nearly an armful!”
In addition to containing the best comedy scene, I’m Alan Partridge is the second most popular sitcom among comedians – with Blackadder in third, The Office in fourth and Father Ted in fifth.
Alan Partridge also overcame competition from Basil Fawlty, David Brent, Del Boy and The Young Ones’ Rick to be the named favourite male comedy character.
While Steve Coogan, who plays the radio DJ from Norwich, topped the list of favourite male comedy actors, followed by Rik Mayall, Ronnie Barker and John Cleese.
Joanna Lumley is the most popular female comedy actor among comedians – ahead of Caroline Aherne, Julia Davis, Penelope Keith and Victoria Wood.
Absolutely Fabulous duo Patsy Stone and Edina Monsoon came first and second in the favourite female comedy character category – beating The Royle Family’s Denise and Father Ted’s Mrs Doyle.
Bruce Dessau said,
“Many of the moments found in this poll can be enjoyed again in a fresh take on the new series We Have Been Watching, as some of the top comedy folk share their views on the funniest moments telly has to offer.”
We Have Been Watching is the first UKTV Original of 2017 for Gold, which celebrates its 25th birthday this year.
The channel will also exclusively premiere the brand new series, Henry IX, penned by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais and starring Charles Edwards, Sally Phillips and Kara Tointon.
FAVOURITE BRITISH SITCOM (AS VOTED FOR BY COMEDIANS):
Fawlty Towers
I’m Alan Partridge
Blackadder
The Office
Father Ted
Peep Show
Only Fools and Horses
The Thick of It
Absolutely Fabulous
Porridge
FAVOURITE SCENE FROM A BRITISH TV COMEDY (AS VOTED FOR BY COMEDIANS):
Alan Partridge meets a super-fan who has a room dedicated to Alan Partridge (I’m Alan Partridge)
Tim and Dawn finally get together (The Office)
Basil Fawlty argues with the Germans, stressing “Don’t mention the war!” (Fawlty Towers)
“Don’t tell him Pike” scene with German prisoners. (Dad’s Army)
Del Boy falling through the bar (Only Fools and Horses)
Father Ted and the terrified priests stray into the lingerie department (Father Ted)
Mrs Richards complaining about her room to Basil Fawlty (Fawlty Towers)
The entrance of Lord Flashheart in Blackadder II (Blackadder)
Del Boy and Rodney running as Batman and Robin (Only Fools and Horses)
David Brent begging for his job as he gets fired (The Office)
FAVOURITE ONE-LINER FROM A BRITISH TV COMEDY (AS VOTED FOR BY COMEDIANS):
Captain Mainwaring to Pike, when Pike is asked his name by a German prisoner: “Don’t tell him Pike.” (Dad’s Army)
Tony Hancock on learning how much blood he has to give during a blood donation: “A pint? Why that’s very nearly an armful!” (Hancock’s Half Hour)
Father Ted explains to Father Dougal the concept of perspective: “These [toy cows] are small. But those [real cows] out there are far away. [Points to toy cow] Small… [Points to real cow] far away.” (Father Ted)
Manuel in response to Basil’s plea to confirm he placed a winning bet on a horse: “I know noth-ing.” (Fawlty Towers)
Alan Partridge pitches programme ideas to the BBC Commissioning Editor, Tony Hayers. After a string of no’s, he desperately puts forward his last programme idea: “Monkey Tennis?” (I’m Alan Partridge)
Patsy judging celebrities as she looks through magazines: “One more facelift on this one, and she’ll have a beard.” (Absolutely Fabulous)
David Brent on the effect of his management skills in the workplace: “I suppose I’ve created an atmosphere where I’m a friend first, and a boss second. Probably an entertainer third.” (The Office)
Alan Partridge explains who Wings are: “They’re only the band The Beatles could have been.” (I’m Alan Partridge)
Lord Flashheart proposes running away together to Kate: “I’ve got a plan, and it’s as hot as my pants.” (Blackadder)
Geraldine Granger introduces herself upon her arrival in Dibley as their new vicar: “You were expecting a bloke: beard, Bible and bad breath. Instead you’ve got a babe with a bob cut and a magnificent bosom.” (The Vicar of Dibley)
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS : THE MOVIE – The good time girls of PR and fashion are back to expand the hit TV show in possibly the gaiest film ever made.
Nutshell – 25-years after the show debuted we finally get the movie version we wanted. Picking up in real-time the WHOLE cast of major and minor characters are back all a bit older but just as funny this time round. Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders the writer) has lost all her money and desperately needs new clients which leads to a tragic accident resulting in both Edina and walking drug cabinet Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley having to go on the run to the South of France to do a bit of goldigging with an old flame played by Barry Humphries and ‘hilarity ensues’ in this cameo heavy laugh out loud pop culture juggernaut.
Time – 91 mins; Certificate – 15.
Tagline – ‘It’s A Huge Great Bloody Movie, Sweetie’.
THE GAY UK FACTOR – So wonderfully camp Ab Fab makes Pride and Priscilla look like Rocky and Rambo by comparison. With early cameos from a Spice Girl, Lulu, Graham Norton, Rylan Clark, Dame Edna and Biggins it wraps itself in the gay flag with sequins on from the get go. Later it even goes to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern with a sing-a-long from a hundred drag queens led by La Voix and Jodie Harsh so this is gayer than Ricky Martin doing Louie Spence in the front row of an ABBA reunion show with Kylie holding the lube and we just love it.
Cast – Basically everyone – All the main cast Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks, June Whitfield, Kathy Burke etc plus endless cameos (see above) plus Kate Moss, Rebel Wilson, John Hamm, Jerry Hall, Joan Collins, Dawn French, Gaultier, Hilton, Tempah, McCartney and a hundred others.
Key Player – Joanna Lumley has been gifted by Saunders with all the best lines for years and she does not just deliver them with her usual style she now basically lives inside Patsy’s skin making one of the most recognisable gay icon characters in history and this is her ultimate high-heeled platform to entertain.
Budget – $20 million but it will make back a fortune. When TV comedy hits on film like The Inbetweeners or Alan Partridge it runs and runs as opposed to flops like The Harry Hill or Bad Education movies so the cash will rightly flow. The difference here is that this one will score overseas too especially in North America.
Best Bit – 0.20 mins; When you get a great scene where the PR guru’s are in full mode planning a lavish event lead by Kathy Burke on powerhouse form closely followed by the star-studded hugely funny red carpet which is so fast paced that you want it to last a whole lot longer.
Worst Bit – 90.00 mins; Nothing wrong with the film at all and it keeps the tone and laugh quotient high throughout. The big disappointment is the soundtrack which could have been a gay classic and a CD to treasure for years but nothing that exciting or inventive here so give iTunes a miss unless you really want an average version of Kylie rehashing “Wheels On Fire” and some French ballads.
Little Secret – Dawn French in an attempt to get the film kickstarted bet Jennifer Saunders £10,000 that she wouldn’t have a movie script for Ab Fab finished by the end of the year (2015). Dawn lost when the script was delivered but later found that after page 35 there was nothing typed other then Blah, blah, blah. June Whitfield btw turned 90 during filming – go girl!
Movie Mistake – TBH we were laughing so much that we didn’t notice any real bloopers. There was some average stunt scenes where obviously vehicles have no drivers in them or are male stunt drivers but who really cares, just enjoy.
Further Viewing – All the camp classics like Bruno, Priscilla, Mamma Mia, Spice Girls The Movie, Pride, Too Wong Fu, Bridesmaids or anything starring Bette Midler or Judy Garland.
Any Good – Never has a movie been so more appropriately titled. Yes it is very good, very funny and will deliver exactly what you are expecting. Basically if you are reading The Gay UK you have either already seen this or will be planning to very soon and there is not a single reason we can think of to make you change your mind. So time to smuggle in the Bollie and the nibbly little bits into your local multiplex and have a right good laugh, sweetie, darling.
Rating – 15/100 (15th out of the last 100 films reviewed with 1 being Gay UK filmatic heaven and 100 being a dud).
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie reunites Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley as the iconic Edina and Patsy along with the rest of the original cast that includes Julia Sawalha as Saffy, Jane Horrocks as Bubble and June Whitfield as Mother.
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The film opens in UK cinemas July 1st, US 22nd July and Australia 11th August.
Speaking on This Morning, the show’s star, Joanna Lumley confirmed that Jennifer Saunders has started writing the AB FAB movie.
Lumley, who plays Patsy in the comedy told viewers that filming is due to start in October. The script has been written by Jennifer Saunders and is apparently “ravishingly funny”.
She went on to say:
“We are all there, the same old gang,
“Lots of people you will have seen in it before, I think we are going down to the south of France to do some of the shooting there
“It’ll all be shot on location. It is going to be ravishingly funny! Very gorgeous… and completely fabulous!”
After many years of speculation, and many a gay man’s dream, it has been announced that there will be an Absolutely Fabulous movie made and it starts filming this autumn.
Sitting with the cast of Loose Women Jennifer Saunders confirmed the film will start filming soon and that “It involves all the main characters and virtually anyone that’s ever been in the series.”
Of course plot lines were being kept very close to the chest with Jennifer revealing “we’re in London and we might go to the south of France. I’m hoping we go to the south of France…”
Fingers crossed then for another wine tasting session then!
